Post by kim on Apr 17, 2006 12:12:16 GMT -5
In an earlier thread, Frank had asked which Quo albums would be a good starter point in checking out their music.
I'd like to add to his statement that "if Jesse likes em, they gotta be good",...I have to agree with Frank...I have to compliment Jesse in his taste for music.
Here's a guy that turned me onto Trans Siberian Orchestra and offered up a great deal of info regarding the group as such along with the Savatage material. Between Jesse and my compatriot here Rush, they convinced me to pick up the TSO "Trilogy" album. Thanks for that guys!!!
Jesse also knows the ins and outs regarding some damn fine Southern Rock and country music as well. I must agree with Jesse in that I sure as hell don't know what happened to the genre either???, suffice it to say that I prefer the older stuff over the commercial crap being spewed out by recent artists anyday! You are right my friend...that isn't "country music".
I believe it was Steve Earle that was once quoted as saying that "Shania Twain is nothing more than a glorified lap dancer" Nothing against Shania, but country music it's not.
I digress...and although I do apologize for going on about Quo at times, I guess I can't help but keep the group going the best way that I can...hahaha. I can't thank Nightwatcher enough for posting info on them as well...
I'm curious to know which albums it was that you picked up Jesse?
Frank...as far as what Nightwatcher mentioned, I would seriously consider his recommendations. Simply put, those albums that he's mentioned are ones that even I don't have as originals, but from what I have read and from the tunes that I do have from these albums on compilation releases, it appears that these were ones worthy back in the day as well as today, especially to the die hard Quo fans.
I'll be honest in saying though, that when I first had the opportunity to pick up some of their music about 12 years ago for the first time here in Canuckville, I opted for a "hits compilation". Seriously, you can't go wrong with that choice and although some die hards may disagree with taking the "easy" way out, I found it gave me a better overall view of their immense catalog of music. Simply because at this point, these guys have been at it for 40 years and still seem to have what it takes to kick some good ole fashioned rock and roll butt! In fact, their last 2 studio albums have seen a return to the earlier days and in my opinion deliver big time!
Keep in mind that the group started out as pretty much a psychedelic type group with the release of "Pictures Of Matchstick Men" back in the late 60's. Kinda hokey by todays standards, but give them credit for being able to shift gears the way in which they did...shedding the flowery shirts and kicking back with blue jeans and t shirts, only to crank out some great tunes over the years.
Getting back to the albums...The first one I picked up was "Rocking All Over The Years". 22 tracks compiling better known hits from the psychedelic years such as Pictures of Matchstick Men, Ice in The Sun to medleys performed in the late 80's.
A couple of years later, a friend of mine was impressed enough to seek out a newer release of their hits. A "2" cd release entitled "Whatever You Want-The Very Best of Status Quo". 40 songs, once again compiled over 35 years. If you can find this one...I'd go with that for starters...something for everyone here.
Not that I'd expect anyone not familiar with their catalog to pick this one up, but I also have the 4-cd Box Set "Rockers Rollin'" and it is here where they offer up a few more live versions.
However, most importantly, they include fan favourites such as "Big Fat Mama", "Forty-Five Hundred Times" and the extended version of "Mystery Song". That's just on the one cd. The other 3 cds contain gems that I am still discovering each time I listen to them. One song, "Halloween" is quite good in that it almost reminds me of something a "hair band" would have done back in the early 80's?...and I mean that in a good way. Quo seems to be able to cover all bases in the stuff that they play.
The box set, containing 69 tracks, also includes a number of "remakes". Artists such as Dave Edmunds, Bruce Springsteen, The Doors and John Fogerty, to name a few have contributed to the songs covered here. In my opinion, they pull them off without a hitch. I'll take their punched up version of Springsteen's "Cadillac Ranch" in a heartbeat over the original.
Quo has a way of stripping down tunes like this and putting back into the song, that much more energy in a lot of cases. A good example of this can be found on their version of the Beach Boys' "Fun Fun Fun", (which includes the backing vocals of the originators on the release as well). They kick it up a notch or two here and bring the song back into the 90's without compromise.
Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt seem to have survived the years little worse for wear and considering that they appear to have overcome their personal demons only to find the last 2 studio releases hearkening back to the earlier days is a treat for any Quo fan...also to anyone that is in need of some straight forward, no nonsense rock and roll these days.
Consider as well, the band has weathered a number of line up changes in that original members such as Alan Lancaster and John Cohglan are no longer part of the group, the driving force of Rossi and Parfitt are still at the helm and it is apparent that this is the crux of the group as the driving force...and always has been. The addition of Andy Bown in 1986 helped solidify the sound that Quo is still known for today.
As an example, the Heavy Traffic album contains a good portion of catchy, riff-laden tracks. One song in particular struck me right away..."Creepin' Up On You". I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but after a few listens, it struck me...similar to ZZ Top's "Tush" in scope...no wonder I like the stuff!!! YEAH!!! Granted, they may not have the depth that Billy Gibbons and Co. have, but they have the heart and use the talents they possess to make it work!...(figured I'd throw that in before someone thinks I'm blaspheming Top)...hahaha.
Interestingly enough as well, although Quo have never been known for their "over the top" vocals in terms of sheer power...or in your face screaming ability, here's a group that still have great sounding vocal stylings...most notably in due respect to Rossi and Parfitt.
These days most artists that have been at it for 20 years or so leave a little bit to be desired...the range may be gone...the power behind the delivery is subdued... This isn't the case with Status Quo. Pushing 60, the Quo founders sound just as good as they did 40 years ago! Trust me...saw them close up...no gimmicks...no wizardry...Francis and Rick can wail!!!...and tight!!!!!
? WOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!
Final recommendation...
1. "Whatever You Want - The Very Best of Status Quo" - that'll get you into it and run the gamut of just what these guys are all about.
2. "Heavy Traffic" - for a fairly recent release, for me it was a return to the old days of rock and roll. It's nice to hear a group use the "harmonica" in some fast paced, 12 bar blues oriented music once again. Was also great seeing a group live, 4 guitars "a blazing" up front and center stage too!!! I can't say enough about this album. As much as I love the older Quo stuff...this album speaks volumes!
3. "Rockers Rollin'" - 4cd box set - If you like the hits, you'll enjoy delving a wee bit deeper into the catalog. Keep in mind, 4cds of their considered "hits"and concert staples...69 of them!
Favourite Tracks...I could list 6 of em from the Heavy Traffic album alone!!! Grab a beer...slap on the cans and enjoy!...oh yeah...turn it up a wee bit too!!!!!!!!!
Ooops...forgot to mention the "gig" opening "Caroline" from 1973...timeless!!!!!!...hahahahahahaha. Yikes!!!...forgot to mention the song I first heard..."Down Down" which went to #1 in Britain... 
....I'll stop now...hahahahahaha.
I hope this helps a bit...
Thanks
Kim
I'd like to add to his statement that "if Jesse likes em, they gotta be good",...I have to agree with Frank...I have to compliment Jesse in his taste for music.
Here's a guy that turned me onto Trans Siberian Orchestra and offered up a great deal of info regarding the group as such along with the Savatage material. Between Jesse and my compatriot here Rush, they convinced me to pick up the TSO "Trilogy" album. Thanks for that guys!!!
Jesse also knows the ins and outs regarding some damn fine Southern Rock and country music as well. I must agree with Jesse in that I sure as hell don't know what happened to the genre either???, suffice it to say that I prefer the older stuff over the commercial crap being spewed out by recent artists anyday! You are right my friend...that isn't "country music".
I believe it was Steve Earle that was once quoted as saying that "Shania Twain is nothing more than a glorified lap dancer" Nothing against Shania, but country music it's not.
I digress...and although I do apologize for going on about Quo at times, I guess I can't help but keep the group going the best way that I can...hahaha. I can't thank Nightwatcher enough for posting info on them as well...
I'm curious to know which albums it was that you picked up Jesse?
Frank...as far as what Nightwatcher mentioned, I would seriously consider his recommendations. Simply put, those albums that he's mentioned are ones that even I don't have as originals, but from what I have read and from the tunes that I do have from these albums on compilation releases, it appears that these were ones worthy back in the day as well as today, especially to the die hard Quo fans.
I'll be honest in saying though, that when I first had the opportunity to pick up some of their music about 12 years ago for the first time here in Canuckville, I opted for a "hits compilation". Seriously, you can't go wrong with that choice and although some die hards may disagree with taking the "easy" way out, I found it gave me a better overall view of their immense catalog of music. Simply because at this point, these guys have been at it for 40 years and still seem to have what it takes to kick some good ole fashioned rock and roll butt! In fact, their last 2 studio albums have seen a return to the earlier days and in my opinion deliver big time!
Keep in mind that the group started out as pretty much a psychedelic type group with the release of "Pictures Of Matchstick Men" back in the late 60's. Kinda hokey by todays standards, but give them credit for being able to shift gears the way in which they did...shedding the flowery shirts and kicking back with blue jeans and t shirts, only to crank out some great tunes over the years.
Getting back to the albums...The first one I picked up was "Rocking All Over The Years". 22 tracks compiling better known hits from the psychedelic years such as Pictures of Matchstick Men, Ice in The Sun to medleys performed in the late 80's.
A couple of years later, a friend of mine was impressed enough to seek out a newer release of their hits. A "2" cd release entitled "Whatever You Want-The Very Best of Status Quo". 40 songs, once again compiled over 35 years. If you can find this one...I'd go with that for starters...something for everyone here.
Not that I'd expect anyone not familiar with their catalog to pick this one up, but I also have the 4-cd Box Set "Rockers Rollin'" and it is here where they offer up a few more live versions.
However, most importantly, they include fan favourites such as "Big Fat Mama", "Forty-Five Hundred Times" and the extended version of "Mystery Song". That's just on the one cd. The other 3 cds contain gems that I am still discovering each time I listen to them. One song, "Halloween" is quite good in that it almost reminds me of something a "hair band" would have done back in the early 80's?...and I mean that in a good way. Quo seems to be able to cover all bases in the stuff that they play.
The box set, containing 69 tracks, also includes a number of "remakes". Artists such as Dave Edmunds, Bruce Springsteen, The Doors and John Fogerty, to name a few have contributed to the songs covered here. In my opinion, they pull them off without a hitch. I'll take their punched up version of Springsteen's "Cadillac Ranch" in a heartbeat over the original.
Quo has a way of stripping down tunes like this and putting back into the song, that much more energy in a lot of cases. A good example of this can be found on their version of the Beach Boys' "Fun Fun Fun", (which includes the backing vocals of the originators on the release as well). They kick it up a notch or two here and bring the song back into the 90's without compromise.
Francis Rossi and Rick Parfitt seem to have survived the years little worse for wear and considering that they appear to have overcome their personal demons only to find the last 2 studio releases hearkening back to the earlier days is a treat for any Quo fan...also to anyone that is in need of some straight forward, no nonsense rock and roll these days.
Consider as well, the band has weathered a number of line up changes in that original members such as Alan Lancaster and John Cohglan are no longer part of the group, the driving force of Rossi and Parfitt are still at the helm and it is apparent that this is the crux of the group as the driving force...and always has been. The addition of Andy Bown in 1986 helped solidify the sound that Quo is still known for today.
As an example, the Heavy Traffic album contains a good portion of catchy, riff-laden tracks. One song in particular struck me right away..."Creepin' Up On You". I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but after a few listens, it struck me...similar to ZZ Top's "Tush" in scope...no wonder I like the stuff!!! YEAH!!! Granted, they may not have the depth that Billy Gibbons and Co. have, but they have the heart and use the talents they possess to make it work!...(figured I'd throw that in before someone thinks I'm blaspheming Top)...hahaha.
Interestingly enough as well, although Quo have never been known for their "over the top" vocals in terms of sheer power...or in your face screaming ability, here's a group that still have great sounding vocal stylings...most notably in due respect to Rossi and Parfitt.
These days most artists that have been at it for 20 years or so leave a little bit to be desired...the range may be gone...the power behind the delivery is subdued... This isn't the case with Status Quo. Pushing 60, the Quo founders sound just as good as they did 40 years ago! Trust me...saw them close up...no gimmicks...no wizardry...Francis and Rick can wail!!!...and tight!!!!!
? WOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!Final recommendation...
1. "Whatever You Want - The Very Best of Status Quo" - that'll get you into it and run the gamut of just what these guys are all about.
2. "Heavy Traffic" - for a fairly recent release, for me it was a return to the old days of rock and roll. It's nice to hear a group use the "harmonica" in some fast paced, 12 bar blues oriented music once again. Was also great seeing a group live, 4 guitars "a blazing" up front and center stage too!!! I can't say enough about this album. As much as I love the older Quo stuff...this album speaks volumes!
3. "Rockers Rollin'" - 4cd box set - If you like the hits, you'll enjoy delving a wee bit deeper into the catalog. Keep in mind, 4cds of their considered "hits"and concert staples...69 of them!
Favourite Tracks...I could list 6 of em from the Heavy Traffic album alone!!! Grab a beer...slap on the cans and enjoy!...oh yeah...turn it up a wee bit too!!!!!!!!!
Ooops...forgot to mention the "gig" opening "Caroline" from 1973...timeless!!!!!!
...hahahahahahaha. Yikes!!!...forgot to mention the song I first heard..."Down Down" which went to #1 in Britain... ....I'll stop now...hahahahahaha.I hope this helps a bit...
Thanks
Kim
